The previous blog about the mixing permit caused debate and questions, which is a good thing as it promotes discussion about the matter. Let’s look at the permit issue in more detail.
Content of the mixing permit
Almost without exception, the mixing permit is read in such a way that if the approval code of another manufacturer is found in the permit, it means that all parts can be mixed. This is not the case. Below is a section of Alfix’s approval of Layher’s Allround. As can be seen, round ledgers/runners can be mixed in the width of 0.73 to 3.07 metres, but only a 0.73 metre section of U ledgers/runners can be mixed.
Local legislation
In their installation/operating instructions, scaffolding manufacturers always refer to local legislation to be followed. Let’s take as an example a mixing permit that does not allow the mixing of parts other than those in the permit with other parts. If I want to use a part from another manufacturer that is not included in the mixing permit in the scaffolding, I must proceed as follows. Section 52 of Government Decree 205/2009 obliges compliance with the operating instructions, and also with Section 8, “Instructions on restrictions of use” – if a part is not included in the permit, its use is restricted. According to Section 53: “If the work scaffolding deviates from the operating instructions, a structural plan must be drawn up for element scaffolding.” Therefore, even a single part that is not included in the mixing permit means that a structural plan must be prepared for the scaffolding.
Layher LW and mixing
It has now been pointed out that Alfix would allow mixing of Layher’s new Light Weight series completely freely. Finnish-language instructions do not include this permit. I found a mixing permit in German, which actually allowed mixing LW parts, but here are the parts that can be mixed: wooden/steel toe board, scaffolding lock, stair railings and their attachments, and a few smaller installation parts. In other words, there is no load-bearing or supporting structural part in the list.
Finnish operating/installation instructions must be available in Finland
The aforementioned document was in German. In Finland, there must always be instructions in Finnish. According to TUKES’ instructions, scaffolders do not need to know another language to be able to install scaffolding safely. There was a case where scaffolders had been provided with Swedish-language installation instructions. None of the scaffolders knew Swedish, an accident occurred, and when the matter was investigated, the CEO and the supervisor were convicted of an occupational safety offence because they had not provided Finnish-language operating instructions to the scaffolders and had neglected to investigate and assess the site-specific hazards.
How have scaffolders been familiarised with the regulations on mixing permits?
I can answer with almost 100% certainty that not in any way. And even if the scaffolders have been familiarised, there is a lot to remember, plus the challenge of identifying which manufacturer’s parts are involved – they look the same, but are not identical. Not everyone even knows what a mixing permit is. And it would be completely wrong if they were responsible for the matter. Scaffolders should only be allowed to use parts that can be safely mixed according to the permit, and of course preferably parts from one manufacturer.
“We take responsibility for mixing”
Scaffolding suppliers have suggested that they take responsibility for mixing. It’s not that simple. The party exercising primary control on the site is ultimately responsible for the matter. If something happens, it is not a relief for the client to know that both will be sanctioned for the matter when the scaffolding supplier has violated the operating instructions and the client has failed to verify the matter and trusted the supplier’s word. What if there is a personal injury?!
Since the client is responsible and pays, it is desirable for the matter to be resolved in a good spirit.
Author:
Janne Parantainen
, scaffolding safety expert and instructor
+358 40 554 5889
janne.parantainen@patera.fi